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Global Restaurant's Chef Bernard grew up along the sun-soaked shores of the southern French village of Nice, where his grandfather was a pastry chef and his father owned a fish shop. This rich familial and Francophilic culinary heritage inspired him to take chef apprenticeships in Paris, the United Kingdom, Russia, and upon globe-roving cruise ships. His travels infused an eclectic edge into his cooking, which still incorporates traditional meals, fusion concepts,
and a French spirit. His journeys also yielded him more than recipes — during one of his cruises, he met his wife, Shannon, whose experience with the front end of the food-and-beverage industry led the pair to open their own restaurant in Charlotte.
Inside the duo's creation, Global Restaurant, electric blues and oranges brighten the space, and crisp tablecloths lay a canvas for dishes with inventive flavors and artistic presentations. Chef Bernard's specialties include cauliflower-goat-cheese sauce, boldly splashed across a seared sea bass, and date chutney and caramelized apples that dance across an all-natural duck.
The menu, which is in many ways a travelogue of Bernard and Shannon's journeys, has snagged the attention of the Charlotte Observer and of WCNC's Charlotte Today, which invited Bernard on air for a live cooking demo, where he seared some of his famous diver scallops atop the weatherman's greenscreen.

Featuring fresh and flavorful American food, Bask is a local favorite.
No need to miss out on Bask just because you are avoiding fat or gluten. The restaurant has loads of options that can accommodate your dietary needs.
Be sure to add a kick to your meal with a refreshment from the beer, wine or cocktail list.
On warmer days, take advantage of Bask's outdoor seating.
Need room for one more? Add another to your party — Bask is great for large groups.
It can be a bit of a mob scene on the weekends, so don't take a chance on getting seated — best to call ahead and make a reservation.
No need to put on airs for a trip to Bask — the dress code and ambience at this restaurant are totally laid-back.
If you're hoping to make a smashing impression at your next soiree, you can also have Bask cater for you.
Dining out isn't your only option here — pickup is available, too.
Parking is available in the lot next door, as is valet. If the lot is full, street parking is also an option.
Prices tend towards the moderate side, with the average tab at Bask running under $30 per person.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the restaurant, but the dinner menu is the real standout.

Savory small plates, including mac ?n? cheese and sliders made with locally farmed and organic Angus beef, pave the way to Crave Dessert Bar's main attraction?decadent desserts. The bar's sweet treats, which earned it Charlotte's best location for To Die For Desserts in 2012 by Elevate Lifestyle Magazine, include carrot and walnut cupcakes and chocolate fondue with seasonal fruits and marshmallows. Chocolate-swirled cheesecake rests atop a fudge-brown crust, and the red velvet cake, cream-cheese frosting, and toasted pecans of the Scarlet Letter layer cake pay homage to the only foods Nathaniel Hawthorne ate while writing The Scarlett Letter.
To complement the tapas and desserts? flavors, diners can puff on hookahs in more than 16 fruit varieties, including peach and watermelon. Bartenders craft more than 40 signature cocktails, which make the bar?s photographs and canvases by local artists more and more appealing as evenings progress. The loft's hardwood floors, exposed brick, and comfy chairs and couches accommodate guests until 2 a.m. Tuesday?Sunday, and after 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the bar transforms into a 21+ hot spot.

Soul Gastrolounge serves up everyday soul food made from scratch.
Vegan options are also available for those who avoid meat and dairy products.
For a specialty cocktail or nice glass of wine, take advantage of Soul Gastrolounge's full bar.
Make the most of the warm summer months by dining outdoors in Soul Gastrolounge's beautiful outdoor seating area.
Get connected at lightning fast speeds with Soul Gastrolounge complimentary wifi.
Live DJs often entertain the evening crowd while dining.
Bring your furry friend to the bar — Soul Gastrolounge allows dogs to dine, too.
It can be a bit of a mob scene on the weekends, so don't take a chance on getting seated — best to call ahead and make a reservation.
Throwing a big party? Count on Soul Gastrolounge to provide top-notch catering with the same great dishes you love.
For those in a hurry, the bar lets you take your grub to go.
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Dining at Soul Gastrolounge will set you back about $30 per person on average.
All major credit cards are accepted.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the bar, but the dinner menu is the real standout.

Cosmos Cafe is a low-key bar with craft beers and unique cocktails.
Low-fat fare is not available here, so leave some room in your diet.
Follow the game or the news from the TVs in the bar.
Stay connected at no cost thanks to Cosmos Cafe's wifi.
Long guest list? Not a problem at Cosmos Cafe, where big parties will find plenty of room to spread out in comfort.
Live DJs often entertain the evening crowd while dining.
Between the music and the crowds, Cosmos Cafe's noise levels can be intense.
People tend to swarm the bar on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to reserve space for your party ahead of time.
Cosmos Cafe can also cater your next party; call today for details.
For those in a hurry, the bar lets you take your grub to go.
If circling the block brings no such luck, patrons can park in a garage around the corner.
Prices at Cosmos Cafe typically stay below the $30 mark, so you can afford to bring along a friend or a date.
All major credit cards are accepted, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Indulge in a wide array of American dishes at Big Chill.
There are no low-fat options here, though, so save a few extra calories for your next visit.
Find time to peruse the wine list here — Big Chill offers a variety of drink options.
Patio tables and chairs are ready for Big Chill diners who prefer their meals al fresco.
The restaurant features live music and a dance floor, so you can kick up your heels and step to the rhythm.
Sound levels can reach upper decibel levels at the restaurant, so sensitive ears beware!
The restaurant can fill to capacity on the weekends, so don't forget to call ahead to reserve your table.
For the tastes of Big Chill from the comfort of your next party, the restaurant also offers catering services.
Parking is available next door or valet is provided, if preferred.
Prices at Big Chill are a bargain (usually less than $15 for a meal), so you'll have plenty of cash left over to treat a friend (or two).